Admission requirements
Not applicable.
Description
In order to systematically investigate biological systems, experimental and computational approaches can be combined. To understand a biological system, structural and dynamic properties can be represented in a computational model describing the entities involved and their interactions. This course aims at making students aware of formal and mathematically precise approaches to the faithful modeling of biological processes. In an interdisciplinary approach we will investigate how to construct and analyze such formal models using the frameworks of Boolean Networks and Petri nets. Biological case studies will be used as a guide to the modelling of biological phenomena.
This course is a combination of lectures and project work. After the introductory lectures and some practical sessions on using Boolean Network and Petri Net tools, groups will be formed to work on a project to model aspects of a given biological process. Knowledge of Biology (the case studies) or Computer Science (Petri Nets) is not a prerequisite. Presence at all meetings is mandatory. Note that the main lectures will be provided with pre-recorded videos in combination with Q&A Live sessions.
Course objectives
becoming acquainted with uses of modelling techniques for biological research
gaining theoretical knowledge of the modelling framework of Boolean Networks and Petri nets
Timetable
The most recent timetable can be found at the students' website.
Mode of instruction
Lectures
Case study sessions
Presentation of own work (including a written report following a template)
Hours of study: 168 (= 6 EC)
Lectures: 48
Presentation and preparations: 30
Practical work: 30
Report: 60
Assessment method
Grading is based on:
presence and active participation (10%)
contribution to a project: modeling, presentation, report (90%)
The final mark is the weighted average of the above as indicated, but under the addional condition that both the result for the first 20% and the result for the last 80% are sufficient (at least 5.5).
The teacher will inform the students how the inspection of and follow-up discussion of the exams will take place.
Reading list
Systems biology -- a textbook.
An Introduction to Systems Biology--Design Principles of Biological Circuits.
Modeling in Systems Biology – The Petri Net Approach.
Additional Materials that will be announced during the course.
Registration
- You have to sign up for courses and exams (including retakes) in uSis. Check this link for information about how to register for courses.
Contact
Lecturer: dr. Lu Cao